Donald Charles Zelenka

Donald Charles Zelenka, 81 of Houston, Texas, passed away on December 19, 2023 at UTMB Health Clear Lake Campus Hospital. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on July 1, 1942 to parents Daniel Walsh and Marie Anastacio Zelenka. Donald graduated from New Orleans’ Fortier High School. He met Virginia Binford in New Orleans, Louisiana and they married in 1965. Donald earned an Associate degree in Business Administration from San Jacinto College in Pasadena, Texas and graduated with honors. He worked in the technology field for Western Union and the Pasadena Independent School District. Donald had a passion for amateur radio and was a member of the American Radio Relay League for many years. He also was a Morse Intercept Operator for the United States Army from 1961-1967.

Donald is preceded in death by parents Daniel Walsh and Marie Zelenka, father-in-law and mother-in-law Greenwood and Frances Binford, and brothers-in-law Billy Wayne Binford, Lawrence Hickey and Norman Tooley.

He is survived by his wife Virginia Zelenka of Houston, son and daughter-in-law Donald Jr. and Melanie Zelenka of Pasadena, son and daughter-in-law William and Kris Zelenka of Deer Park, brother and sister-in-law Daniel and Barbara Zelenka of Covington, Louisiana, sister Mary Catherine Tooley of Metairie, Louisiana, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Wallace and Pam Binford of Slidell, Louisiana, along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

Visitation for Donald will be held Thursday, December 28, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039. A funeral service will occur Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 11:00 AM following with a burial committal.

Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Donald’s honor.

The family would like to thank the staff of UTMB Health Clear Lake Campus Intensive Care Unit for their caring and compassionate service.